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I'm guessing it means they might eschew a few things we all expect in modern-shaped cars like the front of the car that currently contains the frunk in the Model S. I bet it will have a little bit shorter nose. It really doesn't serve much of purpose other than to look like we expect cars to look. My second bet is that it will be a hatch, with a rear-end either like the Model S or a traditional hatchback (say, the mazda 3 - Franz used to work for Mazda). Trunks are overrated. I think the cost will eliminate the ability to have super radical things like the falcon wing doors.
The skateboard powertrain might not be as low-cost either. They could build a battery box more like what the roadster had, situated somehow in the car. That would make it easier to protect the battery from the underside (titanium shields are expensive), but who knows. They could also cover up the wheel wells (like the rear wheels on the original honda insight), to improve aerodynamics, at the cost of looking "different".
I'm sure the design team will make the thing look good, and Elon won't let it look like crap. I'd put a deposit down on the Model 3 right now if it was possible.
The skateboard powertrain might not be as low-cost either. They could build a battery box more like what the roadster had, situated somehow in the car. That would make it easier to protect the battery from the underside (titanium shields are expensive), but who knows. They could also cover up the wheel wells (like the rear wheels on the original honda insight), to improve aerodynamics, at the cost of looking "different".
I'm sure the design team will make the thing look good, and Elon won't let it look like crap. I'd put a deposit down on the Model 3 right now if it was possible.
You're not the first to say this, but I'm not sure we've ever seen any claim that falcon wing doors are necessarily more expensive.
IMHO, "Insight-like covered wheel wells" == "looks like crap"
I used to think that, but the "won't look like other cars" comment has me scared - Hopefully we'll see sketches or a model before we have to get in line
I have no worries about the model 3 front end. If the nose is shortened from that of a conventional sedan, I bet they will answer the safety concern to an extant that is still far superior to the average ICE sedan.
To sixvolts the battery will be in the floor pan. The only reason that other manufactures don't do the same is the requirement that a battery fit in an existing platform with minimum redesign. As a vehicle designed from the ground up to be electric, the safest, most efficient, and easiest place to put the battery is the floor pan. The model S was found to be safe without a shield. Tesla went above and beyond expectations and made a safe product safer. Since the Model 3 will be built using the knowledge gained from the S, the additional shielding, or equivalent, will be considered in the original design. Also, using just in time manufacturing practices and battery packs produced at the Gigafactory, the batteries can be slid into the bottom of an otherwise completed automobile.
To sixvolts the battery will be in the floor pan. The only reason that other manufactures don't do the same is the requirement that a battery fit in an existing platform with minimum redesign. As a vehicle designed from the ground up to be electric, the safest, most efficient, and easiest place to put the battery is the floor pan. The model S was found to be safe without a shield. Tesla went above and beyond expectations and made a safe product safer. Since the Model 3 will be built using the knowledge gained from the S, the additional shielding, or equivalent, will be considered in the original design. Also, using just in time manufacturing practices and battery packs produced at the Gigafactory, the batteries can be slid into the bottom of an otherwise completed automobile.
On the Insight, you couldn't take it to a regular car wash that had tire brushes. The wheel covers had two bolts that needed to be unfastened with a special tool to uncover the wheel. Then you needed to align the cover and slide it upward and then refasten the two bolts to put it back on. Extraordinary PITA. For a significant % of the population, that would be a complete non-starter. So I'm thinking they won't do this.
RT
As an owner of an Insight with the wheel spats, I agree they are "different". I don't find them difficult to remove (on mine, the "special tool" required is called a "screwdriver"), but they do create a few issues other than just appearance. Tire and wheel choices are limited because of reduced clearance. Having tires rotated or replaced requires the owner to remove the covers, since they do take a bit of knowledge to get them back on securely, and you definitely don't want to lose one -- they are expensive to replace!
I like the idea of having the car appear "normal" in city driving, where the aerodynamics are less critical, then having a series of changes occur as speed increases, to improve aerodynamics. Your powered covers could slide into place when speed gets over 50 mph.
beths11
THE LONG RANGER
I am disappointed at seeing pictures skimpily clad women on this site. I have enjoyed the high level of discussion and sharp wit. Sad to see it taken to such a low level.
Gross. Could do without the third picture
Agree, certainly in bad taste and based on the criticism I suspect it won't be repeated.
bluenation
Member
one day, we will stop shaming the human body and accept expressions of sexuality as something other than deviance...
I'm no prude but there is a perpetuation of a stereotype that only guys like to oogle cars, hence booth babes, pinup girl car posters etc. Wish there was more equal opportunity for oogling but I rarely see hot dudes posing suggestively next to a car
Regardless, there's not much appreciation for the human form going into that shot of that chick's butt crack. Just sayin.
Anywho, so hows about those Model 3 renders, eh ppl?
Regardless, there's not much appreciation for the human form going into that shot of that chick's butt crack. Just sayin.
Anywho, so hows about those Model 3 renders, eh ppl?
I'm no prude but there is a perpetuation of a stereotype that only guys like to oogle cars, hence booth babes, pinup girl car posters etc. Wish there was more equal opportunity for oogling but I rarely see hot dudes posing suggestively next to a car
Regardless, there's not much appreciation for the human form going into that shot of that chick's butt crack. Just sayin.
Anywho, so hows about those Model 3 renders, eh ppl?
I don't usually like to combine my love of cars and my love of pornography so I see no need for these pictures on the site.
There are however, exceptions and there are some excellent retro hot rod pinup websites with the girls usually pretty clothed. Not to mention curvy and tattooed.
Back to the Model3. I don't care for any side skirts even retracting ones. They fall under weirdmobile to me. This car has to be beautiful.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
I used to hate the side skirt look, but I suspect that was because they were poorly executed. I think they can be done well, and one of my favorite examples is the VW X1
I realize not all will like the look, but I don't see why they couldn't be easily removable and/or optional. I also like the look of the aero front wheels, much better than Tesla's aero attempt, which I hope will never be repeated :scared: Maybe a more curved "spoke" pattern would be nicer. Also an active louver system where rotational forces close off the wheel openings at speed might be interesting.
I realize not all will like the look, but I don't see why they couldn't be easily removable and/or optional. I also like the look of the aero front wheels, much better than Tesla's aero attempt, which I hope will never be repeated :scared: Maybe a more curved "spoke" pattern would be nicer. Also an active louver system where rotational forces close off the wheel openings at speed might be interesting.
JRP3
Hyperactive Member
I've come to appreciate the sexiness of well designed aerodynamics. :smile: Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And to be clear, I think Tesla can do a much better design and still end up with great aero. If Tesla does not offer wheel skirts I will probably make my own, at least to test out the potential improvements.
bluenation
Member
I'm no prude but there is a perpetuation of a stereotype that only guys like to oogle cars, hence booth babes, pinup girl car posters etc. Wish there was more equal opportunity for oogling but I rarely see hot dudes posing suggestively next to a car
Regardless, there's not much appreciation for the human form going into that shot of that chick's butt crack. Just sayin.
Anywho, so hows about those Model 3 renders, eh ppl?
there is a evolutionary biological reason for this
(unless you dont believe in evolution in which case,....nvm)
on topic: as long as the 3 doesnt look like the aborted fetus (fetii?) of its EV competitors, i think we have little to worry about.
Aerodynamic vehicles look like airplanes to me. (That is a good thing!) Model S has a very airplane vibe, and the X1 as well. Other cars look so busy next to the Tesla. Accent and style lines galore. You don't see many useless creases and style lines on airplanes, and most still look awesome.
